Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Brutal Law of Supply and Demand for Machetes: Dead People Can't Vote

The News Agency of Nigeria surveyed prices and found that a good quality machete was now selling for 400 naira ($3) compared with 800 naira ($6) before the April elections, which were marred by politically motivated violence in many states. Africa's most populous country returned to civilian rule in 1999 after three decades of almost continuous army rule, but violence remains a feature of politics, especially during the build-up to elections.

European election monitors estimated that at least 200 people were killed in politically motivated violence during months of campaigning ahead of the April polls.(HT: Sidewinder77)